The They’re Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary Tour wasn’t just a celebration of a groundbreaking album—it was a nostalgic trip back to 2004 for both longtime fans and newer listeners who’ve grown to love Underoath. For me, it was more than a tour; it was a full-circle moment, as I had the privilege of providing photo coverage for the final week of shows in Asheville (The Orange Peel), Atlanta (The Tabernacle), and St. Petersburg (Jannus Live). Here’s a look back at the highlights of this unforgettable tour and why it holds such a special place in my heart.

Asheville: A City of Art Meets Underoath’s Energy

Asheville’s The Orange Peel was the perfect setting to kick off my final-week tour coverage. Known for its intimate vibe, the venue allowed Underoath’s mix of melody and chaos to envelop the crowd. From Aaron Gillespie’s high-energy drum beats and clean vocals to Spencer Chamberlain’s commanding presence and gut-wrenching screams, the band delivered a flawless set that felt deeply personal. Static Dress opened with a raw, electric performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. The crowd was electric, every lyric shouted back to the band like a collective catharsis.

Atlanta: A Musical Revival at The Tabernacle

The Atlanta show at The Tabernacle was a standout for many reasons. Not only is this venue iconic, but the energy in the room was off the charts. He Is Legend opened with a performance of their album I Am Hollywood in its entirety, and their dynamic stage presence set the stage for Underoath’s arrival. When Underoath took the stage, the room erupted. Watching the synergy between Chris Dudley’s keyboard theatrics, Tim McTague’s soaring guitar riffs, and Grant Brandell’s thunderous basslines was mesmerizing. As a photographer, the lighting and visuals were a dream, capturing the vibrant chaos that matched the band’s energy.

St. Petersburg: A Grand Finale at Jannus Live

The final show in St. Petersburg at Jannus Live felt like a family reunion, and the addition of Anberlin as an opener elevated the night to legendary status. Their surprise performance of “Feel Good Drag” with Stephen Christian rejoining the stage had the crowd in a frenzy. Spencer Chamberlain's emotional engagement with the audience was especially poignant, reminding everyone of the band’s deep connection to their fans. Documenting this climactic night was bittersweet, knowing it marked the end of a monumental tour celebrating the album that started it all.

They’re Only Chasing Safety: A Personal Reflection

This album wasn’t just a collection of songs—it was the gateway to my love for heavy music. The first time I saw Underoath live was during their 2005 tour at The Downtown in Farmingdale, NY. Armed with a small point-and-shoot camera, I captured moments in the crowd while my friends and I soaked in the performance.

After the show, we met the band as they loaded out behind the venue. I vividly remember Tim McTague’s excitement over the New York snow—a rarity for the Florida native. That night, the band handed out stickers and took photos with us. I still cherish the photo I have with Spencer Chamberlain and Chris Dudley from that night.

“Some Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape” became a cornerstone of my musical identity. It was the song I first performed at an open mic night, a shared anthem among my closest friends, and a reminder of how deeply music connects us.

Fast forward to 2023, when I got my first opportunity to photograph Underoath during their tour with The Ghost Inside. A chance dinner encounter with Chris Dudley before the show led to a recreated photo from 2005 and ultimately landed me the chance to photograph their set at Tennessee Is For Lovers Festival.

A Full-Circle Career Moment

When the TOCS anniversary tour was announced, I didn’t hesitate to buy tickets. Initially, I planned to attend just Asheville and Atlanta, but Chris Dudley made the incredible offer for me to shoot both shows, including the tour’s grand finale in St. Petersburg.

This tour meant so much to me—both as a fan and a photographer. To document a band that has been a cornerstone of my love for music while celebrating an album that shaped my youth is a gratitude-filled experience I’ll never forget.